Monday

Happy Monday! We’re starting the week off with some coffee talk:

• How coffee can impact anxiety

• What to know about decaf coffee

• How you can profit off of whiskey

• Our favorite beverages to sip on

• Do you take collagen with your coffee?

How Coffee Can Impact Anxiety

A cup of coffee can be a great morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

However, if you've ever drank one too many cups, you know that it can also cause the jitters.

For those with anxiety, this can be a particularly uncomfortable experience and worsen those feelings.

Caffeine is a stimulant for our central nervous system. If you consume large doses, it can overstimulate your nervous system — and cause feelings of anxiety, Lina Begdache, PhD, RDN, CDN, CNS-S, FAND, registered dietitian nutritionist, certified nutrition specialist-scholar, and associate professor at Binghamton University, State University of New York told Real Simple.

At the same time, caffeine inhibits the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which helps us feel calm, Real Simple reported.

Together, these two can leave us feeling jittery and anxious.

One study suggested "that caffeine consumption may have a detrimental effect on anxiety and may increase the risk of anxiety." This was found to be more pronounced when people drank above 400 milligrams of caffeine.

If you have anxiety or are particularly sensitive to caffeine, it's good to take note of how it affects your body!

Is Decaf Coffee Dangerous?

Decaf is an amazing way to enjoy the taste of coffee without the extra energy kick.

However, some people have become concerned over a chemical that's sometimes used to decaffeinate the beans.

Three different methods can decaffeinate the beans:

• Chemical solvents

• Liquid carbon dioxide

• Plain water with special filters

One chemical solvent that's commonly used to decaffeinate beans is methylene chloride. The FDA regulates that methylene chloride is "not to exceed 10 parts per million (0.001 percent) in decaffeinated roasted coffee and in decaffeinated soluble coffee extract (instant coffee)."

Decaffeinated coffees with amounts at or below this threshold are said not to be dangerous.

However, because this chemical was previously banned as a paint thinner, some people have questioned its use in decaffeinating beans.

The FDA is currently reviewing petitions that call to ban methylene chloride, but it's unclear what will happen.

Those who want to be more mindful of their decaf could do some research and opt for brands that use carbon dioxide or water and filter methods to filter their beans instead.

Whiskey: A Hedge Against Market Volatility

Looking to protect your portfolio from the next recession? 

Consider investing in rare spirits like whiskey. 

Whiskey investing provides a proven hedge against stock market dips driven by inflation and other factors.

With Vinovest, you can invest in high-growth segments such as American Single Malt, emerging Scotch, Bourbon, and Irish whiskey. Thanks to established industry relationships, Vinovest overcomes industry barriers that have made historically whiskey investing expensive and opaque. As a result, you can enjoy high-quality inventory that boosts your portfolio value and enhances liquidity. 

Schedule a call with a Vinovest advisor to learn more.

Thank you to Vinovest for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Our Favorite Tasty Beverages To Sip On

Sometimes, you want a tasty beverage to sip on — but you don't necessarily want the caffeine boost from a coffee or other caffeinated drink.

Luckily, there are lots of tasty beverages to enjoy that don't have caffeine!

Some of our favorites include:

• Herbal tea

• Fruit-infused water

• A refreshing soda

• Sparkling water

• A refreshing mocktail that mixes a few different beverages

• Juice

• A smoothie — bonus points as it gives you some fiber and lots of energy!

Next time you want something tasty but don't want a caffeine boost, try reaching for one of these yummy drinks!

The Benefits of Collagen

So… what exactly does collagen do, again? This nutrient is Insta-trending for a reason – it’s essential for healthy skin, joints, and bones. The big bummer: many collagen supplements are made with artificial ingredients and (gross) animal byproducts.

NativePath has a different approach. NativePath collagen is certified grass-fed and pure, and sourced from 100% happy, healthy cows… so you can put nutrients into a happy, healthy human. It provides Types 1 and 3 collagen – more than 90% of your body’s needs. Plus, it’s tasty and provides 20 grams of protein, so you’ll get lots of energy to boot.

Find out more about the many benefits of NativePath’s collagen powder on their website!

Thank you to NativePath for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: 70mg! For perspective, the average cup of instant coffee has anywhere between 60-80mg of caffeine.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: "Little treats" don't have to be coffee — there are lots of yummy drinks to enjoy!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!